Are you new to South Carolina and want to start getting outside and exploring our SC State Parks? Are you a local who wants to branch out and try a new park state park near Greenville, SC for camping or hiking? We’ve put this guide together to help with your adventures! From the Upstate to the Coast, we have the details for all 48 South Carolina State Parks.
This article includes:
South Carolina State Parks in the Upstate
South Carolina State Parks in the Midlands
Coastal South Carolina State Parks
SC State Park Passports, Annual Admission Membership Program
SC State Park’s Ultimate Outsider Incentive Program
Junior Ranger’s Kids Program
Kids in Parks SC State Park Program
Looking for the best places to hike near Greenville, SC?
South Carolina State Parks in the Upstate
Here is one mom’s list of things to do at her favorite state parks in the Upstate. Also, check out our list of the best Campgrounds Near Greenville and Places to Camp near Spartanburg.
Paris Mountain State Park | Greenville, SC
Paris Mountain enjoys a long history as a place of recreation for families in the Upstate. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1930, Paris Mountain is a monadnock- a mountain that stands alone, which makes this a pretty cool spot where you can enjoy nature, 15 miles of hiking and biking trails, fish, swim, and lots more!
Check out our Mom review of Paris Mountain State Park
Things to do at Paris Mountain State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Paddle boats
- Biking
- Hiking
2401 State Park Rd
Greenville, SC
864.244.5565
Croft State Park | Spartanburg, SC
Learn More in our Mom review of
Croft State Park
Things to do at Croft State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Fishing
- Paddling and boating
- Biking
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
450 Croft State Park Rd
Spartanburg, SC
864.585.1283
Caesars Head State Park | Cleveland, SC
Check out our Mom review of
Caesars Head State Park
Things to do at Caesars Head State Park
- Tent camping (trailside and backcountry only, no drive-up)
- Picnic tables
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Waterfall
8155 Geer Highway
Cleveland, SC
864.836.6115
Jones Gap State Park | Marietta, SC
Jones Gap State Park offers beautiful views and wonderful hiking along the Middle Saluda River and through the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area.
Learn more about Hiking Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap State Park
Hiking with kids at Jones Gap can be a lot of fun! Learn more in our KA review.
Things to do at Jones Gap State Park
- Tent camping (trailside and backcountry only, no drive-up)
- Picnic area
- Trout fishing
- Fish hatchery exhibit
- Hiking
- Waterfalls
303 Jones Gap Rd
Marietta, SC
864.836.3647
Table Rock State Park | Pickens, SC
Learn more about
Hiking Table Rock with Kids
(it is worth it for that magical view!)
Things to do at Table Rock State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Cabins
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating
- Hiking
- Waterfalls
158 E. Ellison Lane
Pickens, SC
864.878.9813
While visiting Table Rock State Park, be sure to visit the Table Rock Tea Company for a tour of an authentic tea farm!
Devils Fork State Park | Salem, SC
Learn More About
Visiting Lake Jocassee with Kids
Things to do at Devils Fork State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping (including boat-in sites)
- Villas
- Picnic shelter
- Playground
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating
- Hiking
- See the endangered Oconee Bell wildflowers (spring months).
161 Holcombe Circle
Salem, SC
864.944.2639
Check out Jocassee Wild Child Adventure for an educational adventure!
Keowee-Toxaway State Park | Sunset, SC
Learn more in our Mom review of
Keowee-Toxaway State Park
Things to do at Keowee-Toxaway State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Cabin with private dock
- Picnic shelters
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating
- Hiking
108 Residence Drive
Sunset, SC
864.868.2605
You can stay in Keowee-Toxaway State Park and zipline with Upstate Zipline! Check out our Trip to Upstate Zipline at Keowee-Toxaway State Park!
Oconee Station State Historic Site | Walhalla, SC
KA Review:
Oconee Station and Station Cove Falls
Things to do at Oconee Station State Historic Site
- Historic buildings with regularly scheduled tours
- Picnic area
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Waterfall
500 Oconee Station Rd
Walhalla, SC
864.638.0079
Oconee State Park | Mountain Rest, SC
KA Review:
Play Mini-Golf at Oconee State Park
Things to do at Oconee State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Cabins
- Picnic shelters
- Playgrounds
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating
- Hiking
- Mini golf
- Square dancing
624 State Park Road
Mountain Rest, SC
864.638.5353
Lake Hartwell State Park | Fair Play, SC
KA Review:
Spend the Day at
Lake Hartwell State Park
Things to do at Lake Hartwell State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Camper cabins
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Fishing
- Boating
- Hiking
- Basketball court
19138 S. Highway 11
Fair Play, SC
864.972.3352
While visiting Lake Hartwell, check out this amazing Lake Hartwell Wildlife Safari just over the SC/Georgia line!
Sadlers Creek State Park | Anderson, SC
Check out our Mom review of
Sadlers Creek State Park
Things to do at Sadlers Creek State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playgrounds
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating
- Hiking
- Biking
940 Sadlers Creek Rd
Anderson, SC
864.226.8950
Calhoun Falls State Park | Calhoun Falls, SC
Things to do at Calhoun Falls State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playgrounds
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Boating
- Hiking
- Tennis court
- Basketball court
46 Maintenance Shop Road
Calhoun Falls, SC
864.447.8267
Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site | Clinton, SC
KA Review:
Musgrove Mill Historic Site
Things to do at Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
- Historic battlefield
- Waterfall
- Picnic shelters
- Fishing
- Canoe/Kayak launch
- Hiking
398 State Park Road
Clinton, SC
864.938.0100
Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site | Union, SC
Things to do at Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site
- Historic house with museum and tours
- Historic cemetery
- Rose gardens
- Picnic shelters
- Hiking
2677 Sardis Road
Union, SC
864.427.5966
Kings Mountain State Park | Blacksburg, SC
Things to do at Kings Mountain State Park
- Living history farm
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Canoe/kayak launch
- Hiking
- Horseback riding
2625 Park Road
Blacksburg, SC
864.936.7922
South Carolina State Parks in the Midlands
Andrew Jackson State Park | Lancaster, SC
Things to do at Andrew Jackson State Park
- Museum
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
196 Andrew Jackson Park Road
Lancaster, SC
803.285.3344
Landsford Canal State Park | Catawba, SC
Learn more about the Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies In Full Bloom At Landsford Canal State Park
Things to do at Landsford Canal State Park
- Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies (bloom May-mid June)
- Picnic shelter
- Playground
- Canoe/kayak launch
- Hiking
2051 Park Drive
Catawba, SC
803.789.5800
Lake Wateree State Park | Winnsboro, SC
Things to do at Lake Wateree State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelter
- Playground
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hiking
881 State Park Road
Winnsboro, SC
803.482.6401
Chester State Park | Chester, SC
Things to do at Chester State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelter
- Playground
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Disc golf
759 State Park Drive
Chester, SC
803.385.2680
Dreher Island State Park | Prosperity, SC
Things to do at Dreher Island State Park
- Villas and camper cabins
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hiking
3677 State Park Road
Prosperity, SC
803.364.4152
Spending the day in Columbia, SC? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Columbia for a full day of adventure!
Lake Greenwood State Park | Ninety Six, SC
Things to do at Lake Greenwood State Park
- CCC museum
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic area
- Playground
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hiking
302 State Park Road
Ninety Six, SC
864.543.3535
Hickory Knob State Resort Park | McCormick, SC
Things to do at Hickory Knob State Resort Park
- Suites and lodge rooms
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Playground
- Golf course
- Basketball court
- Volleyball court
- Archery range
- Skeet range
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming (lake and pool)
- Biking
- Hiking
1591 Resort Drive
McCormick, SC
864.391.2450
Baker Creek State Park | McCormick, SC
Things to do at Baker Creek State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hiking
863 Baker Creek Road
McCormick, SC
864.443.2457
Hamilton Branch State Park | Plum Branch, SC
Things to do at Hamilton Branch State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Hiking
111 Campground Road
Plum Branch, SC
864.333.2223
Aiken State Park | Windsor, SC
Check out our mom review of
Aiken State Park
Things to do at Aiken State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Canoe trail
- Artesian wells
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hiking
1145 State Park Road
Windsor, SC
803.649.2857
Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site | Beech Island, SC
Things to do at Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site
- Historic house museum and tours
- Picnic area
181 Redcliffe Road
Beech Island, SC
803.827.1473
Barnwell State Park | Blackville, SC
Things to do at Barnwell State Park
- Cabins
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Fishing (fishing boat rentals available)
- Swimming
- Hiking
223 State Park Road
Blackville, SC
803.284.2212
Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site | Ehrhardt, SC
Things to do at Battle of Rivers Bridge State Historic Site
- Preserved Civil War battlefield with original earthworks
- Museum
- Picnic shelter
- Hiking
325 State Park Road
Ehrhardt, SC
803.683.0239
Sesquicentennial State Park | Columbia, SC
Check out our mom review of Sesquicentennial State Park
Things to do at Sesquicentennial State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Splashpad
- Boat rentals
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Biking
- Dog park
9564 Two Notch Road
Columbia, SC
803.788.2706
Find more Things to Do in Columbia, SC!
Goodal State Park | Camden, SC
Things to do at Goodale State Park
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Canoe/kayak trail
- Boating (non motorized and electric only)
- Fishing
- Hiking
650 Park Road
Camden, SC
803.432.2772
Interested in exploring Camden, SC? Check out historic Camden and its Revolutionary War history during your visit!
Lee State Park | Bishopville, SC
Things to do at Lee State Park
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Lynches River access for canoe/kayak
- Artesian wells
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Horseback riding
- Hiking
487 Loop Road
Bishopville, SC
803.428.5307
H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial & Recreational Area | Cheraw, SC
Things to do at H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial & Recreational Area
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Retriever training and events
- Horseback riding
279 Sporting Dog Trail
Cheraw, SC
843.253.5124
Cheraw State Park | Cheraw, SC
Things to do at Cheraw State Park
- Cabins
- RV camping
- Tent camping (including boat in sites)
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Golf course
100 State Park Road
Cheraw, SC
843.537.9656
Poinsett State Park | Wedgefield, SC
Things to do at Poinsett State Park
- Cabins
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Paddle boat rentals
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Biking
6660 Poinsett Park Road
Wedgefield, SC
803.494.8177
Santee State Park | Santee, SC
Things to do at Santee State Park
- Cabins
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playgrounds
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Biking
- Sinkholes
- Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion Tomb
251 State Park Road
Santee, SC
803.854.2408
Coastal South Carolina State Parks
Little Pee Dee State Park | Dillon, SC
Things to do at Little Pee Dee State Park
- Carolina Bay and Sand Rim
- Camper cabin
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Boating (non motorized and electric only)
- Fishing
- Hiking
1298 State Park Road
Dillon, SC
843.774.8872
Woods Bay State Park | Olanta, SC
Things to do at Woods Bay State Park
- Carolina Bay
- Picnic shelter
- Canoe/kayak trail
- Boardwalk
- Hiking
11020 Woods Bay Road
Olanta, SC
843.659.4445
Myrtle Beach State Park | Myrtle Beach, SC
Things to do at Myrtle Beach State Park
- Maritime Forest
- Atlantic Ocean
- Cabins
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playgrounds
- Fishing (with ocean pier)
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Biking
- Equestrian beach access (seasonal)
4401 South Kings Highway
Myrtle Beach, SC
843.238.5325
Planning a vacation to Myrtle Beach, SC? We have the ultimate travel guide for play, stay and eat at Myrtle Beach!
Huntington Beach State Park | Murrells Inlet, SC
Learn more in our Mom review of Huntington Beach State Park
Things to do at Huntington Beach State Park
- Atalaya Castle
- Nature Center (with touch tank)
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic Shelters
- Beach access (private beach for campground)
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hiking
16148 Ocean Highway
Murrells Inlet, SC
843.237.4440
Hampton Plantation State Historic Site | McClellanville, SC
Things to do at Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
- Historic house with tours
- Colonial-era rice plantation
- Fishing
- Hiking
1950 Rutledge Road
McClellanville, SC
843.546.9361
Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site | Charleston, SC
Things to do at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
- Interactive museum
- The Adventure, a 17th-century replica ship
- The Animal Forest zoo
- Archaeological digs
- Tours
- Gardens
- Hiking
- Biking
1500 Old Towne Road
Charleston, SC
843.852.4200
Check out our Guide to Charleston for more to do while you’re in the area!
Colleton State Park | Walterboro, SC
Things to do at Colleton State Park
- Camper cabin
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelter
- Playground
- Canoe/kayak trail
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Ball field and volleyball area
147 Wayside Lane
Walterboro, SC
843.538.8206
Givhans Ferry State Park | Ridgeville, SC
Check out why Givhans Ferry State Park and the Edisto River are considered the 5th Wonder of SC!
Things to do at Givhans Ferry State Park
- Cabins
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Canoe/kayak trail
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Biking
- Limestone bluffs
746 Givhans Ferry Road
Ridgeville, SC
843.873.0692
Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site | Summerville, SC
Things to do at Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site
- St. George’s Anglican Church cemetery and bell tower
- Tabby Fort
- Archaeological digs
- Picnic area
- Hiking
300 State Park Road
Summerville, SC
843.873.1740
Edisto Beach State Park | Edisto Island, SC
Check out our complete
Visitor’s Guide to Edisto Beach!
Things to do at Edisto Beach State Park
- Environmental Learning Center
- Bache Monument
- Atlantic Ocean
- Cabins
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic area
- Boating
- Fishing
- Swimming Area
- Hiking
- Biking
8377 State Cabin Road
Edisto Island, SC
843.869.2756
Hunting Island State Park | Hunting Island, SC
Things to do at Hunting Island State Park
- Lighthouse
- St. Phillips Island
- Nature Center
- Cabin
- RV camping
- Tent camping
- Picnic shelter
- Playground (campers only)
- Beach access
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Biking
- Equestrian beach access (seasonal)
- Beach volleyball court
2555 Sea Island Parkway
Hunting Island, SC
843.838.2011
Lake Warren State Park | Hampton, SC
Things to do at Lake Warren State Park
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
- Fishing
- Boating
- Hiking
1079 Lake Warren Road
Hampton, SC
803.943.5051
South Carolina State Parks Passports
South Carolina State Parks offer yearly State Park Passports in a variety of options. These memberships provide annual admission to all or select South Carolina State Parks, depending on the option you choose.
All Park Passport
The All Park Passport provides entry to all 47 SC state parks and includes additional benefits such as free entry to historic buildings at select parks.
Select Park Passport
The Select Park Passport provides entry to 35 SC state parks. Note that this passport does not include most of our state parks here in the Upstate. It also does not include most of the coastal state parks. See their website for a complete list of parks not included.
Seven-Day Passport
The Seven-Day Passport has the option of an All Park Passport or a Select Park Passport and is valid for seven days.
A Library Option
Not ready to buy a Park Passport? Our local libraries offer 7-day loans of the All Park Passport to library cardholders. They can be very popular though so be prepared to be placed on the waitlist.
Greenville County Library
Spartanburg County Public Libraries
Pickens County Library
Anderson County Library
Become an Ultimate Outsider!
Do you know there are several programs at area South Carolina Parks where your family can earn prizes, like the Ultimate Outsider Program at South Carolina State Parks? Visits to SC State parks could include everything from swimming in Hunting Island’s coastal waters to hiking and exploring Lake Jocassee and Devils Fork State Park’s waterfalls.
On top of the obvious fun and benefits from a visit to one of the SC State Parks, there are a few perks and incentives available to guests that you may not be aware exist! We will guide you through the fun extras you and your family can get like the Ultimate Outsider program, the SC State Park Passport, Kids in Parks, and more!
About The Ultimate Outsider Program
People who have purchased a South Carolina State Park Guide Book have an incentive program for those who visit all 47 parks. Once you have the book in hand, you can start your journey to each of the parks. While you’re there, find the park’s information board and the unique location rubber stamp enclosed in a box. Find the page for the park you are currently at, and stamp away!
Make sure to take lots of photos and when you post them to social media, use the hashtags #UltimateOutsider and #StateParks to share your photos with other state park enthusiasts.
Once you’ve collected a stamp at all 47 of the South Carolina State Parks, you’ll complete the verification form and confirm your completion of the book with a park ranger.
The ranger will then submit your name, and you will receive a commemorative “Ultimate Outsider” t-shirt in the mail to tell the world about your accomplishment. Books are only $1 apiece, so be sure to grab one for each family member to participate.
The Junior Ranger Program For Kids
Each South Carolina State Park is unique and has a ton to teach kids! With that in mind, the SC State Park system offers a Jr. Ranger Program at 26 of its locations. Kids receive a workbook to complete while visiting to receive an honorary State Park Ranger badge and some other goodies. The program is geared to children ages 6-9, but anyone who wants to participate is welcome. The Jr Ranger program is a perfect activity to complete if you have the Park Passport.
Becoming A South Carolina State Park Junior Ranger
Junior Ranger level 1 – Activity Sheet
- Certificate of completion for Level 1, which will have your name and a ranger’s signature
- Official South Carolina State Parks Junior Ranger badge, and a Mini flashlight
Junior Ranger level 2 – Activity Sheet
- Certificate of completion for Level 2, which will have your name and a ranger’s signature
- A Junior Ranger notebook and pen
Junior Ranger level 3 – Activity Sheet
- Certificate of completion for Level 3, which will have your name and the signature of the Director of the State Park Service, and an award ceremony for completing the program
- A choice of a Junior Ranger hat or a Junior Ranger backpack
One of the final requirements for becoming a Junior Ranger is to invite a friend to become one! Kids can invite their friends with this pre-written form letter provided by the park service.
South Carolina State Parks That Participate in The Junior Ranger Program
- Andrew Jackson State Park
- Barnwell State Park
- Calhoun Falls State Park
- Cheraw State Park
- Chester State Park
- Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site
Kidding Around Review – Charles Towne Landing State Park - Colleton State Park
- Dreher Island State Park
- Edisto Beach State Park
- Hamilton Branch State Park
- Hampton Plantation State Historic Site
- Hickory Knob State Resort Park
- Hunting Island State Park
- Huntington Beach State Park
- Kings Mountain State Park
Kidding Around Review – Kings Mountain State & National Park - Lake Greenwood State Park
- Lake Hartwell State Park
- Lake Warren State Park
- Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Kidding Around Review – Musgrove Mills State Historic Site - Myrtle Beach State Park
- Paris Mountain State Park
Kidding Around Review – Paris Mountain State Park - Rivers Bridge State Historic Site
- Sadlers Creek State Park
Kidding Around Review – Sadlers Creek State Park - Santee State Park
- Sesquicentennial State Park
Kidding Around review – Sesquicentennial State Park - Table Rock State Park
Kidding Around Review – Hiking Table Rock With Kids
The Junior Ranger program offers kids activities to get excited for their visit with printable activities.
Kids In Parks
Another fun incentive program that includes South Carolina State Parks is the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s “Kids In Parks”. You can learn all about the Kid’s in Parks Program.
How long do you think it would take your family to visit all 47 South Carolina State Parks?
Ready to head out? Practice “Leave no Trace” with our list of dos and don’ts.
There are 48 parks now and if you’re going to visit them all, why not get the park guide book to collect the stamps. https://southcarolinaparks.com/ultimate-outsider